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Thursday, 8 February 2018

Pebble experiments with monoprint and mixed media

The visual research and experimentation is always a very enjoyable
aspect of a new project. I relish the chance to explore ideas and play
with techniques and materials without any preconceived ideas of the results. It is something that I want to do a lot
more of this year.

To develop further this pebble project I began with three monoprints as shown in the top row above;

The first one on the left made by inking a plate and adding two masks and a third mask inked in a deeper tone.

The central print was made by running the same plate without any further additions of ink or masks - this is called a ghost print and just utilises any ink not removed from the plate on the first run through the press.

The third print shown on the right is the same print with no ink added but the masks were removed leaving behind an inky line made when ink caught on the edges of the paper masks.

From other monoprints I cut more pebble shapes (I also had the original masks that I had kept) these all had lovely variations in textures and tones to further add to the mix. I started placing them within the three compositions, also leaving a shape escaping the confines of the border. Balance and contrast in tones and scale were my main focus here and when the arrangement felt right I adhered them in. This is the stage in the middle row.

In the third stage, on the bottom row, I added more shapes, tone and line by drawing into the compositions. As I worked I was reminded of visits I have made to draw in the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Garden at St.Ives. I must go back again soon. It is well worth a visit if you are down that way, the garden in beautiful and a great setting to see her work in.

3 comments:

Oh, these are beautiful. I especially like the lower level ones with some additions and good strong lines and depth. I even like the photo of your cutouts laid together! Beautiful work...love the title Seaworn, too :) You are making 2018 a very beautiful year in your artwork.

About Me

I'm an artist living on the Dorset coast. I aim to capture the sense of light and space of the ocean and its effect on objects that have travelled and been shaped by the ebb and flow of the tide. From the tension before, during and after the storm to the quieter more contemplative atmosphere of subdued waters the ocean has captured my heart.